How to get out of expensive gym memberships

Gym memberships are often tricky to get out of (Picture: PA/ Steve Parsons)

Getting out of unfair gym membership contracts can seem impossible, but there are often ways to escape. Metro investigates.

Are you tied into a costly gym contract you really can’t afford? Then visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (www.adviceguide.org.uk), which says The Office Of Fair Trading has now cracked down on unfair gym contracts.

‘Some gym contracts include unfair terms and conditions, so always make sure that you check the small print before you sign,’ says Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice. ‘If a contract term is unfair, you should ask the gym to remove it. You may be able to cancel completely.’

According to the CAB, unfair terms might include: a minimum contract of more than one year; automatically renewing your contract without your permission; a clause saying cancellation isn’t valid until you get a confirmation letter from the gym; or a clause saying the gym will not be liable for loss or damage to property, personal injury or death.